Overview
- The Cottonwood Fire ignited Monday afternoon at about 3:36 p.m. and grew rapidly to an estimated 10,000 acres overnight, according to Utah Fire Info.
- Authorities issued mandatory evacuations for areas including Eagle Point and Merchant Valley and closed at least one highway as flames moved toward populated spots.
- Fire crews and emergency responders remain on scene working suppression efforts, and officials reported the blaze was largely uncontained as of the latest updates.
- The cause is under investigation and officials have not yet released a full list of affected communities or updated containment figures, so residents are told to monitor official emergency channels.
- The blaze adds to an active Utah fire season of more than 340 fires that have burned roughly 58,000 to 64,000 acres this year, prompting renewed prevention guidance from Utah Fire Sense about avoidable ignition sources.